The Netherlands and Industrial Grid Congestion

Industrial Grid Congestion and the Resurgence of Diesel PowerExecutive SummaryThe Netherlands is currently facing a critical electricity grid capacity crisis that has forced thousands of businesses to revert to diesel-powered generators to maintain operations or expand production. Approximately 14,000 companies are currently on the waiting list for a power connection, with grid operators warning that structural solutions may be a decade away. This shift to diesel creates a significant contradiction to national decarbonization goals, as even companies involved in the energy transition, such as electric vehicle (EV) charging station manufacturers, are finding themselves reliant on fossil fuels. The crisis is driven by a combination of rapid demand growth, lengthy permitting processes, and a severe shortage of technical personnel required for infrastructure expansion.